John 1:1–14 - 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. 9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
What does today’s passage say?
In today's passage, John establishes that Jesus, the Living Word, existed eternally with God and is fully God (vv. 1-2). As Creator, Christ spoke everything into existence - nothing was created without Him (v. 3). In Him is life, and this life is the light that gives illumination to all people (vv. 4-5). John the Baptist came to tell people about this light so all would believe (vv. 6-9). Yet even though He created the world and entered into it, many still did not acknowledge Him (vv. 10-11). But some did and believed in Him; because of this, they became children of God (vv. 12-13). John summarizes saying that the very Word of God, Jesus Christ, became a man and lived among people, revealing God's glory directly to all so they could see and believe (v. 14).
How can I apply John 1:1-14 to my life?
The opening of John’s gospel provides a majestic description of Jesus Christ, the Living Word of God, who created all things and later entered the world He fashioned. This profound passage emphasizes core truths about Christ’s divine eternal nature and His embodiment as a human being who dwelt among us. Jesus has always existed in perfect relationship within the Triune Godhead. Yet He willingly left His glorious heavenly realm to take on flesh and reveal God’s splendor, grace, and truth to mankind face-to-face. Christ came shining as a radiant light and life in the darkness of a fallen world. He calls everyone to place faith in Him as Savior and receive the gift of becoming God’s spiritually reborn children. For all who trust in Him, He pledges abundant life now and forevermore in intimate fellowship with Him. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
1. Know that Jesus is God and the Creator of All that Is (vv. 1-5): John establishes right away that Jesus, the Living Word, existed for all eternity with God and is God. As Divine Creator, Christ spoke everything into being - nothing was made apart from Him. He maintains supreme authority and control over all aspects of creation. Jesus fully shares in God's divine nature and deserves the same eternal praise. He sustains all life moment by moment. So, acknowledge Christ as your Maker, Master, and Sustainer. Your existence is from Him. Thank Him for forming you to reflect His image and glory. Seek to discover the plans He has for putting your gifts to use. Make pursuing an intimate knowledge of Him through the Bible and prayer your first priority and let reverent awe at His mighty creative power guide your choices. Make exalting the Lord Jesus central in all you are. Consider how to live more intentionally as one crafted by Christ for good works. Humble yourself before the Lord who shaped every fiber of your being and yield all that you are and have to magnifying Jesus with the gifts that only He could give you (Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:2, Genesis 1:1).
Food for thought: What does Jesus creating everything prove about His deity? In practical terms, how should worshiping Jesus as your Creator change your daily walk?
2. Become a Child of God Through Faith in the Light of the World, Jesus Christ (vv. 6-13): John the Baptist’s purpose was to share testimony about the Light, Jesus Christ, so that all people would place belief in Him. Christ stands as the true Light providing illumination to every single person. Though Christ created the world and entered into His own creation, most of the people did not acknowledge Him as their Creator. So, as while many dismissed Him, some trusted in Him and He allowed them to become part of God’s spiritual family. To put matters simply, whoever believes that Jesus is who He says He is and what He has done for them receives forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. Their spirits, made dead by sin, are born again through God’s Holy Spirit to become members of God's household. Therefore, examine your heart and make sure you have put your complete faith exclusively in Jesus Christ for your salvation. Trust the certainty that He endured crucifixion to act as atonement for your sins, conquered the tomb in resurrection, and pledges everlasting life to all who believe in Him. Make your confession openly to Him, repent from sins, appeal to His mercy, and surrender your life to His authority as Lord. Continually replenish yourself from the living water which flows solely from Christ. Always walk according to His will so that you can be equipped to lead others out of darkness as well. As a precious adopted son or daughter of God Most High, pursue obedience to Him with joy, nurture intimacy with Him, use discernment granted by the Spirit to carry out good works He has for you, rely confidently on His supply for every need, and devote yourself to seeking His Kingdom as your ultimate aim (2 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Peter 2:9-10, Matthew 28:19-20).
Food for thought: Have you placed wholehearted trust in Jesus alone to redeem you? How can you dwell more steadily in God's light shining through Christ so you yield fruits drawing people unto faith in Him?
3. Jesus is the Very Word of God Made Flesh So That He Could Dwell Among Us (v. 14): John declares that the Word, who is Jesus Christ, became a human being and lived among people here on earth. In His incarnation, the very glory and presence of Almighty God was now accessible through the person of Jesus. The apostles directly encountered the Word by hearing His teaching, seeing His miracles, and fellowshipping with Him. Their experience serves as eyewitness testimony that affirms Jesus as the manifestation of God in bodily form. Even so, Jesus continues reaching out to make His dwelling among all who open their hearts to receive Him. Think about what it means to have Christ take up residence within you. His Spirit indwells each believer to provide counsel, comfort, wisdom, and power for living. Since Jesus knows every detail about you, you can be assured that he sees your innermost being. Yield areas of darkness or resistance to His light. Let Christ's virtues and love flow through you to touch others' lives. Stay alert to the Spirit's guidance so you can partner with Jesus in His ongoing work. Keep your spiritual eyes fixed on the Son of God so you reflect His radiance into every situation. Make your body a living sacrifice where the glorious saving gospel of Christ is proclaimed and displayed through you. Allow the Holy One to consecrate you as a chosen, holy, beloved dwelling place used for His purposes (1 Corinthians 6:19, Matthew 28:20, John 15:4-5, Romans 8:9-11).
Food for thought: How can you practically prepare your heart each day to be filled with Christ's living presence? What choices might need to change so every area of your life can reflect God's glory revealed through Jesus?
John's opening words showcase Jesus as the Divine Word existing from the beginning as God yet entering the world in human flesh. This passage highlights that Christ reigns as Creator and Sustainer of all creation. Though He fashioned all things, most people fail to acknowledge Him. Still, to those who put their faith in Him, He grants authority to join God's spiritual family. Jesus embodies the light of truth exposing darkness and offering freedom from sin's grip. He pursues a personal relationship with every willing heart. As the Living Word, He takes up residence within each one who receives Him by faith. As believers yield to Christ's transforming work, His virtues shine more and more brightly through them. Let us respond in surrender to His lordship, fortified by the Spirit's power to walk in step with Christ and lead many unto faith through our testimony.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would help me grasp more fully every day that Jesus is divine, existing as the Living Word from the very beginning. He created everything and holds all things together by Your power. Though I cannot fully understand it, I believe Christ left behind the glory of heaven to take on flesh and be confined to a human body in order to rescue people like me. I confess Him as my Lord and Savior. I know I desperately needed a Redeemer because my sins separated me completely from Your holy presence. Thank You for adopting me into Your family when I called out to Jesus in faith. But even now, I still struggle against sin. Please show me any areas that I haven’t surrendered completely over to Christ’s control. Expose any lies I am believing or wrong ways of thinking that block me from walking more closely with You. I pray that Your Word would have total freedom to shape my life more and more into the image of Jesus, my perfect example. I pray that You would make me a living display of Your goodness and grace so that people see You attractively revealed through me.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
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